[nabs-l] Self-Advocacy Question

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi JJ,

I don't think you need a para, especially if you already have a lot of
experience cooking. Are your parents willing to stand up for you?
Ultimately it's their decision, so if your parents say that you should
participate equally in the class without somebody standing by your
side, then that is what should happen. You could also try contacting
Scott LaBarre, Brent Batron or someone else in CO who could advocate
for you. I live in Colorado and would  be happy to talk with your TVI
as a blind person who cooks independently. If your parents are
supporting you and on your side, they can write a letter to the TVI
and teacher requesting you participate fully in the class without a
para, and can perhaps set up a special meeting to discuss this
arrangement. Even if your teachers require a para to be there, you can
still request the para stand back and let you participate fully in the
class. You will get much more out of the class that way. When does the
class start?

Arielle

On 11/11/13, johnnie Jean duran <johnniejduran at gmail.com> wrote:
> Dear National Association of Blind Students,
> As some of you may know, I am currently an 8th grade student attending
> O'Connell Middle School, and every trimester, every student is allowed
> to switch electives and pick a new one. I decided to choose cooking
> (family and consumer science) as my selection, however my TVI and the
> cooking teacher are both implying that I will need a para with me in
> there at all times. I chose cooking because it is something I am good
> at, and I do it all the time. But, both teachers are persisting that I
> need a para. What should I tell them, because they aren't listening?
> Do I need an advocate?
> Thanks,
> JJ
>
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